Pest control compositions

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of reducing weed growth or reducing pests involving applying to plant producing media particulate materials to a depth of at least about 1 cm, wherein the plant producing media to the depth comprises about 1% by weight or more and about 25% by weight or less of particulate materials. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of reducing weed growth involving applying to plant producing media or unwanted vegetation a film of particulate materials, wherein the film has a thickness of about 1 μm or more and about 5 mm or less.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of pending allowedU.S. Ser. No. 10/078,628 filed Feb. 19, 2002 incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention is directed to soil or vegetation treatedwith a particulate film and methods for controlling unwanted pestseither originating on or in the soil or immigrating to the site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The use of herbicidal chemicals and microbial agents to controlunwanted vegetation, such as weeds, is known. For example, Wenger, U.S.Pat. No. 5,599,771 relates to an active ingredient of a pre-emergent andpost-emergent herbicide, Harris and Stahlman U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,673 isa soil borne bacteria that controls downy brome, a weed problem in wheatproduction. Physical methods of weed control are also known. Forexample, Lahalih, et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,790 relates to preparing amulch film from water soluble polymers and a water resistant resin. Themulch may contain nutrients or other additives. Monroe et al U.S. Pat.No. 5,532,298 relates to preparing a degradable agricultural groundcover composed of polyethylene polymer fiber and cellulose pulp thatpersists 8-12 weeks. Adamoli et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,806 relates topreparing aggregates from recycled paper for weed control. ChristiansU.S. Pat. No. 5,030,268 relates to preparing a mulch of corn gluten mealas a pre-emergent weed control material. The application of plasticmulch of various colors, compositions, and thicknesses is a common weedcontrol practice. Oils of various sources are used in herbicideformulations. Low boiling oils, unsaturated oils and aromatic compoundsin oils, themselves, can be herbicidal when applied to foliage (Gauvritand Cabanne (1993) Pesticide Science 37:147-153, Oils for weed control:uses and mode of action). Reflective mulches increase light reflectioninto the canopy of plants, increasing photosynthesis and improving fruitcolor (Decoteau, E. R., M. J. Kasperbauer, and P. G. Hunt. 1989). Mulchsurface color affects yield of fresh-market tomatoes (J. Amer. Soc.Hort. Sci. 114(2):216-219). Plastic mulches, while reducing weed growthalso reduce disease and insect damage (T. K. Wolfenbarger, D. O. and W.D. Moore, 1968). Insect abundances on tomatoes and squash mulched withaluminum and plastic sheetings has been investigated (J. Econ. Entomol.61(1):34-36 and Hartz, J. E. DeVay and C. L. Elmore, 1993). Solarizationis an effective soil disinfestation technique for strawberry production(HortScience 28(2):104-106).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides for weed control, enhancedhorticultural effects, disease control, improved fruit yield, and otherpest control such as insect control using particulate materials. Theparticulate materials can be applied as dust, in a slurry with water, orin an emulsion with water and a high boiling organic liquid.

[0005] Specifically in one embodiment, the present invention relates tomethods of reducing weed growth or reducing pests involving applying toplant producing media particulate materials. The present invention alsorelates to land or plant producing media treated accordance with thesemethods.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methodsof reducing weed growth involving applying to plant producing media orunwanted vegetation a film of particulate materials. Alternatively,methods involve applying to unwanted vegetation an emulsion comprisingwater, particulate materials and a high boiling organic liquid to form afilm. The present invention also relates to land, plant producing mediaor unwanted vegetation treated accordance with these methods.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates tomethods of increasing the size of fruit harvested from a fruit tree byapplying an emulsion of water, particulate materials and a high boilingorganic liquid so that a portion but not all of the flowers/blossomsabort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a reflectance spectrum of untreated soil and soiltreated in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides for weed control, enhancedhorticultural effects, disease control, and pest control effectsinvolving treating a substrate with a particulate material. Weed controlor reducing weed growth involves preventing the weed from growing,partially killing the weed, killing the weed, and preventing a weed seedfrom germinating. Similarly, pest control includes reducing pest growthand/or life cycle. The particulate material is applied to a substrate inany suitable manner, such as in the form of a dust or slurry.

[0010] Substrates that may be treated in accordance with the presentinvention generally include the unwanted vegetation, and plant producingmedia such as soil, organic materials such as peat and compost,inorganic substrates such as vermiculite, rockwool and other synthetic,inert growing media, sand, soil remediation materials, polyacrylates,humus, surface treated soil including making hydrophobic throughchemical treatment such as surfactant or drying oils, surface treatedsoil including making hydrophilic through chemical treatment such assurfactant, and wetting agents. Unwanted vegetation includes weeds,non-agricultural plants in the vicinity of agricultural crops, aquaticplants, algae, any species of life containing a chloroplast such asprotozoa, and other non-useful, non-ornamental plants. Specific examplesof substrates include naturally occurring soils, amended soils,artificial media used to produce plants, weeds (the weed itself, rootsof weeds, seeds of weeds, etc.), and the like.

[0011] Examples of unwanted vegetation include American beauty berryflower; American holly; angelica, purple-stemmed; annual sowthistle;aster; barnyardgrass; beggarsticks, (aka bur-marigold, sticktight);bergamot (horse-mint); big bluestem; bigroot morningglory (aka wildsweet potato); birdsfoot trefoil; bitter nightshade; black henbane;black (honey) locust (aka coffee bean tree); black medic; blacknightshade; blackgrass; blue vervain; bouncingbet, (aka soapwort);brackenfern western (aka fiddlehead); bristly foxtail (aka burbristlegrass); broadleaf dock; broadleaf plantain; browneyed susan(akablack-eyed susan); broomrape; crenate (aka scalloped broomrape);Egyptian broomrape; buckwheat; bull thistle; bur cucumber; burdock;buttercup; Canada thistle; cardinal flower (aka scarlet lobelia);carpetweed; castorbean; catchweed bedstraw; catnip; cattail; cheat;chickweed, common; chickweed, mouseear; chicory; Chinese lantern;chokecherry; cinquefoil; clammy; coundcherry; climbing milkweed, (akahoneyvine milkweed); cogongrass; common buttercup; common cocklebur;common lambsquarters; common mallow, (aka wild geranium, roundleafmallow); common milkweed; common mullien (aka candelwick); commonragweed; common yarrow; compass plant; coneflower (purple); corn cockle;corn row; cornflower; cow cockle; creeping charlie; cupplant; curly dock(aka sour dock); cutleaf coneflower; daisy fleabane; dandelion; dodder,field (aka foddergrass); downy brome, (aka cheatgrass); eastern blackshade; English ivy; evening primrose; fall panicum; fescue; fieldbindweed, (aka wild morningglory); field pennycress; flixweed; foxglove;foxtail barley; giant foxtail; giant green foxtail; giant ragweed, (akahorseweed); goatsbeard, (aka western salsify); goldenrod; goosegrass;goutweed; grain amaranth; ground cherry; ground ivy; hairy crabgrass;hedge bindweed; hemp, (aka marijuana); hemp dogbane, (aka Indian hemp);hemp sesbania (aka indigoweed); henbit; honeyvine milkweed, (akaclimbing milkweed); hophornbeam copperleaf; horsenettle; horseweed(marestail); hyacinth; Indiangrass; ivy; ivyleaf morningglory; Jerusalemartichoke; jimsonweed; johnsongrass; knapweed; knotweed; kochia;ladysthumb smartweed; lambsquarter; longspine sandbur; maximilliansunflower; meadow foxtail; meadow salsify; morningglory; motherwort;mowed hay; musk thistle; narzissus; nettle; Ohio buckeye; orchardgrass;oxalis; palouse tarweed; Pennslyvania s martweed; Pennycress; perennials owthistle; philodendron; phlox; pigweed; pigweed; pineappleweed;poison hemlock; poison ivy; pokeweed, common; poppy; prairie bushclover; prairie dock; prickly lettuce; prickly sida; prostrate spurge;purple coneflower; purple loosestrife; purslane; purslane speedwell;quackgrass; Queen Anne's lace; rattlebox; rattlesnake brome; red clover;redroot pigweed; redstem filaree; redtop; reed canarygrass; roughfleabane; roundleaf mallow; rush; Russian knapweed; salsify;scouring-rush, common; Scotch thistle; senicio; shattercane/wild cane;shepherdspurse; small whorled pogonia; smallflower buttercup; smartweed,light (or pale); smartweed, swamp; smooth bromegrass; smooth crabgrass;smooth groundcherry; sorghum almum; sowthistle; spiny amaranth;splitleaf philodendron; spotted knapweed; squirreltail; star ofBethlehem; stinging nettle; switchgrass; tall/ivyleaf morningglory; tallmorningglory, tall waterhemp; tansy mustard, (aka pinole); thistles;tickseed coreopsis; Timothy trumpet creeper; velvetleaf, (aka elephantear, butterprint); Venice mallow, (aka flower-of-an-hour); vetch;Virginia creeper; Virginia pepperweed; volunteer corn; zea mays; waterhemlock; water-lilly; waterpod; white bryony on hawthorn; white clover;white snakeroot; white sweetclover; whorled milkweed; whorled tickseed;wild buckwheat; wild 4 o'clock; wild garlic; wild grape; wild mustard;wild onion; wild parsnip; wild proso millet; wild salsify; wildsunflower; wild sweet potato, (aka bigroot morningglory); wild violets;wirestem muhley; witchgrass; wood sorrel; woodland sunflower; woollycupgrass; yarrow; yellow clover; yellow foxtail; yellow nutsedge, (akachufa); yellow rocket; yew; yucca; and yellow nutsedge.

[0012] Pests range from bacteria to arthropods to microbes to mammals.For example, pests include bacteria, fungus, worms including nematodes,insects, arachnids such as spiders and mites, birds, rodents, deer, andrabbit. Substrates that may be treated in accordance with the presentinvention decrease or discourage the presence of pests in areas sotreated.

[0013] The plants that benefit (growth is enhanced) as a result of thepresent invention include horticultural crops and especiallyagricultural crops and ornamental crops and seeds of agricultural cropsand ornamental crops. The plants include actively growing agriculturalcrops, actively growing ornamental crops, fruiting agricultural cropsand fruiting ornamental crops and the products thereof. Agriculturalcrops are plants used to make useful products, such as food products,feed products, fiber products and the like. Ornamental crops are plantsused for decoration or aesthetic reasons. Examples include fruits,vegetables, trees, flowers, grasses, and landscape plants and ornamentalplants. Specific examples include apple trees, pear trees, peach trees,plum trees, lemon trees, grapefruit trees, avocado trees, orange trees,apricot trees, walnut trees, raspberry plants, strawberry plants,blueberry plants; blackberry plants, bosenberry plants, corn, beansincluding soybeans, squash, tobacco, roses, violets, tulips, tomatoplants, grape vines, pepper plants, wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale,hops, algae, watercrest, and rice. These plants are not unwantedvegetation. In most instances, these plants are not treated inaccordance with the present invention.

[0014] The particulate materials suitable for use in the presentinvention are hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In one embodiment, theparticulate materials are hydrophobic in and of themselves, (forexample, mineral talc). In another embodiment, the particulate materialsare hydrophilic materials that are rendered hydrophobic by applicationof an outer coating of a suitable hydrophobic wetting agent or couplingagent (for example, in an embodiment where a particulate material has ahydrophilic core and a hydrophobic outer surface). In yet anotherembodiment, the particulate materials are hydrophilic in and ofthemselves (calcined kaolins). In another embodiment, the particulatematerials are hydrophobic materials that are rendered hydrophilic byapplication of an outer coating of a suitable hydrophilic wetting agentor coupling agent.

[0015] Examples of particulate hydrophilic materials suitable for use inthe present invention include minerals, such as calcium carbonate, talc,kaolin (both hydrous kaolins and calcined kaolin), beneficiated kaolin,bentonites, clays, pyrophyllite, silica, feldspar, sand, quartz, chalk,limestone, precipitated calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth andbarytes; functional fillers such as aluminum trihydrate, pyrogenicsilica, and titanium dioxide. Examples of non-mineral hydrophilicparticles include carbon soot, coal dust, ash waste and other darkcolored organic materials.

[0016] In one embodiment, the particulate materials suitable for use inthe present invention are heat treated particulate materials. Forpurposes of this invention, heat treated particulate materials areparticulate materials that have been heated to an elevated temperatureand include baked particulate materials, calcined particulate materials,and fired particulate materials. Heat treated particulate materials a regenerally hydrophilic. Specific examples include calcined calciumcarbonate, calcined talc, calcined kaolin, baked kaolin, fired kaolin,hydrophobic treated heat treated kaolin, calcined bentonites, calcinedclays, calcined pyrophyllite, calcined silica, calcined feldspar,calcined sand, calcined quartz, calcined chalk, calcined limestone,calcined precipitated calcium carbonate, baked calcium carbonate,calcined diatomaceous earth, calcined barytes, calcined aluminumtrihydrate, calcined pyrogenic silica, and calcined titanium dioxide.

[0017] Heat treatment in accordance with the invention involves heatinga particulate material at a temperature from about 300° C. to about1,200° C. for about 10 seconds to about 24 hours. In another embodiment,heat treatment involves heating a particulate material at a temperaturefrom about 400° C. to about 1,100° C. for about 1 minute to about 15hours. In yet another embodiment, heat treatment involves heating aparticulate material at a temperature from about 500° C. to about 1,000°C. for about 10 minutes to about hours. The heat treatment may becarried out in air, in an inert atmosphere or under a vacuum.

[0018] In these embodiments, the particulate materials contain at leastabout 25% by weight, and particularly about 25% to about 100% by weightof heat treated particulate materials. In another embodiment, theparticulate materials contain at least about 40% by weight, andparticularly about 40% to about 99% by weight of heat treatedparticulate materials.

[0019] The surfaces of the particulate hydrophilic materials can be madehydrophobic by contact with at least one hydrophobic wetting agentand/or coupling agent. Industrial mineral applications, especially inorganic systems such as plastic composites, films, organic coatings orrubbers, utilize hydrophobic surface treatments to render a mineralsurface hydrophobic; see, for example, Jesse Edenbaum, PlasticsAdditives and Modifiers Handbook, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1992,pages 497-500 which is incorporated herein by reference for teachings ofsuch hydrophobic surface treatment materials and their application.

[0020] Coupling agents such as fatty acids and silanes are commonly usedto surface treat solid particles as fillers or additives targeted tothese industries. Such hydrophobic agents are known in the art. Examplesinclude organic titanates such as Tilcom® from Tioxide Chemicals;organic zirconate or aluminate coupling agents from KenrichPetrochemical, Inc.; organofunctional silanes such asvinyltriethoxysilane, vinyl tris-(2-methoxyethoxy)silane,γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane,γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane,N-β-(aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, andβ-mercaptoethyltriethoxysilane, and others under the trade designationSilquest® from Witco or those under the trade designation Prosil® fromPCR; modified silicone fluids such as the DM-Fluids obtained from ShinEtsu; and fatty acids such as double pressed stearic acid and triplepressed stearic acid and others under the trade designation Hystrene® orIndustrene® from Witco Corporation or those under the trade designationEmersol® from Henkel Corporation. In a specific embodiment, stearic acidand stearate salts are particularly effective for rendering a particlesurface hydrophobic.

[0021] Further specific examples of particulate materials includecalcined kaolins under the trade designation SATINTONE® and siloxanetreated calcined kaolins under the trade designation TRANSLINK® fromEngelhard Corporation, Iselin, N.J.; calcium carbonate under the tradedesignations Atomite® and Supermite® from English China Clay and stearicacid treated ground calcium carbonates under the trade designationsSupercoat® and Kotamite® from English China Clay.

[0022] The particulate materials suitable for use in the presentinvention are finely divided. The term finely divided when utilizedherein means that the particulate materials have a median individualparticle size (average diameter) below about 100 μm. In one embodiment,the particulate materials have a median individual particle size ofabout 10 μm or less. In another embodiment, the particulate materialshave a median individual particle size of about 3 μm or less. In yetanother embodiment, the particulate materials have a median individualparticle size of about 1 μm or less.

[0023] Particle size and particle size distribution as used herein aremeasured with a Micromeritics Sedigraph 5100 Particle Size Analyzer.Measurements are recorded in deionized water for hydrophilic particles.Dispersions are prepared by weighing 4 grams of dry sample into aplastic beaker, adding dispersant and diluting to the 80 ml mark withdeionized water. The slurries are then stirred and set in an ultrasonicbath for 290 seconds. Typically, for kaolin 0.5% tetrasodiumpyrophosphate is used as a dispersant; with calcium carbonate 1.0%Calgon T is used. Typical densities for the various powders areprogrammed into the sedigraph, for example, 2.58 g/ml for kaolin. Thesample cells are filled with the sample slurries and the X-rays arerecorded and converted to particle size distribution curves by theStokes equation. The median particle size is determined at the 50%level.

[0024] The particulate materials of the present invention are highlyreflective. As used herein, highly reflective means a material having aABlock Brightness@ of at least about 80, as measured by TAPPI standard T646. In another embodiment, the Block Brightness of the particulatematerials is at least about 90. In yet another embodiment, the BlockBrightness of the particulate materials is at least about 95.Measurements can be made on a Reflectance Meter Technidyne S-4Brightness Tester manufactured by Technidyne Corporation which iscalibrated at intervals not greater than 60 days using brightnessstandards (paper tabs and opal glass standards) supplied by theInstitute of Paper Science, or Technidyne Corporation. Typically aparticle block or plaque is prepared from 12 grams of a dry (about lessthan 1% free moisture) power. The sample is loosely placed in a cylinderholder and a plunger is slowly lowered over the sample to a pressurefrom about 29.5 to about 30.5 psi and held for about 5 seconds. Thepressure is released and the plaque is examined for defects. A total ofthree plaques are prepared and three brightness values are recorded oneach plaque by rotating the plaque about 120 degrees between readings.The nine values are then averaged and reported.

[0025] The particulate materials particularly suitable for use in thisinvention are inert and nontoxic. As used herein, inert particulatematerials are particles that are not phytotoxic to horticultural cropsand ornamental crops. However, the unique combinations in or on soil andother plant producing substrates and unique combinations with othermaterials, are in some instances phytotoxic (generally to unwantedvegetation such as weeds). For example, seeds of crops may be planted insoil at a depth of 4″ and the particulate materials are intermixed withsoil to a depth of 3″. In this example, the particulate materials arephytotoxic to weed seeds in the soil at a depth to 3″, but notphytotoxic to the crop seeds planted at a depth of 4″. Determiningwhether a given combination is phytotoxic can be performed by oneskilled in the art. The particulate materials are preferably nontoxicmeaning that, in the quantities needed for effective weed control, suchmaterials are not considered harmful to animals, the environment, theapplicator and the ultimate consumer, if any, of agricultural productsmade in connection with the present invention.

[0026] This invention relates to methods of weed control wherein thesurface of the soil, unwanted vegetation, or a plant-producing substrateis treated with one or more particulate materials. In particular, asuitable amount of particulate materials are contacted with the surfaceof a substrate (surface of soil, unwanted vegetation, or plant-producingsubstrate).

[0027] In one embodiment, the entire surface of a substrate is coveredwith the particulate materials. Full substrate coverage tends to provideeffective weed control, and disease and insect control. In anotherembodiment, less than the entire surface is covered with the particulatematerials. In these e mbodiments, partial coverage is highly effective,for example, discontinuous coverage allows reflection of light andinfrared radiation from the particulate materials while providingeffective weed control. In another embodiment, the method of the presentinvention results in the formation of a membrane or film of one or morelayers of highly reflective particulate materials on the soil surface,unwanted vegetation surface or the surface of other plant-producingsubstrates. In another embodiment, the method of the present inventionresults in the formation of a membrane or film of one or more layers ofhighly absorptive particulate materials on the soil surface, unwantedvegetation surface, or the surface of other plant-producing substrates.The membrane or film may partially cover the substrate surface,substantially cover the substrate surface, or entirely cover thesubstrate surface. The film may be coherent or incoherent.

[0028] In one embodiment, the particulate materials are applied to asubstrate as a slurry of finely divided particles in a volatile liquidsuch as water, a low boiling organic solvent or low boiling organicsolvent/water mixtures. One or more layers of this slurry can be sprayedor otherwise applied to the substrate. Additives such as surfactants,dispersants, spreaders/stickers (adhesives), low boiling organicliquids, high boiling organic liquids, salts, agrichemicals, and coloredparticles may be incorporated into the slurry of the particulatematerials. Additives also include oils and non-volatile, high boilingorganic materials. The particulate materials when applied as a slurryare hydrophobic particulate materials or hydrophilic particulatematerials.

[0029] In another embodiment, the particulate materials are applied to asubstrate as a dry dust and incorporated into the substrate (when thesubstrate is soil or other plant-producing surface). The resultantresidue of this treatment may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Theparticulate materials when applied as a dry particles are hydrophobicparticulate materials or hydrophilic particulate materials, butpreferable hydrophobic particulate materials.

[0030] In yet another embodiment, the particulate materials are appliedto a substrate as an emulsion with water, and a high boiling organicliquid. In this embodiment, the particulate materials are initiallymixed with the high boiling organic liquid and then mixed with water toform a stable emulsion. Mixing of the particulate materials with thehigh boiling organic liquid can involve high shear mixing, in order topromote the formation of a stable emulsion after water is added. Theparticulate materials when applied as an emulsion are hydrophobicparticulate materials or hydrophilic particulate materials, butpreferable hydrophilic particulate materials.

[0031] Spreader/stickers that can be mixed with hydrophilic particles(for example, about 3% by weight or more solids in water) to aid inspraying uniform treatments on horticultural substrates are: modifiedphthalic glycerlol alkyd resins such as Latron B-1956 from Rohm & HaasCo.; plant oil based materials (cocodithalymide) with emulsifiers suchas Sea-wet from Salsbury lab, Inc.; polymeric terpenes such as Pinene IIfrom Drexel Chemical Co.; nonionic detergents (ethoxylated tall oilfatty acids) such as Toximul 859 and Ninex MT-600 series from Stephan.

[0032] In another embodiment, agrichemicals are incorporated into theparticle slurry or particle-substrate mix. Examples of agrichemicalsinclude nutrients, microbial agents, fertilizers, herbicides,pesticides, fungicides, insecticide, and the like.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the particulate materials containparticles of various colors, so that when the particulate materials areapplied to a substrate (soil, unwanted vegetation or a plant-producingsubstrate) the spectrum of reflected light or heat exchange from thesubstrate is altered. Such colored particles may non-reflective.Examples include natural iron oxides such as yellow limonite, redhematite, brown limonite; black iron oxides such as Pigment Black 10;synthetic iron oxides such as copperas red and ferrite red; precipitatedred iron oxide; brown iron oxides such as Pigment Brown 6 and brownocher; synthetic black iron oxides such as Pigment Black 1 and syntheticmagnetite; copper-black; chrome-black; zinc magnesium ferrite pigmentssuch as Pigment Brown 11 and mapioc tans; carbon black pigments such asPigment Black 6 or 7, furnace black, channel black, acetylene black,furnace black, bone black and lampblack; graphite including natural andsynthetic graphites such as electrographite or artificial graphite;aniline black such as Pigment Black 1; logwood black lakes such asNatural Black 3, Lake, Logwood Pigment; yellow sulfur, pigments thatselectively reflect or absorb in red, blue, or green regions, and thelike.

[0034] The low boiling organic liquids preferably include water-miscibleand organic solvents. In one embodiment, the low boiling organic liquidscontain from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. The term low boiling as usedherein means organic liquids which have a boiling point generally nohigher than about 100° C. These liquids promote the ability of theparticulate materials to remain in a finely divided state withoutsignificant agglomeration. Examples of low boiling organic liquidsinclude alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, i-propanol,butanol, i-butanol, and the like, glycols (polyols), ketones such asacetone, methyl ethyl ketone and the like, and cyclic ethers such asethylene oxide, propylene oxide and tetrahydrofuran. Combinations of theabove-mentioned low boiling organic liquids, with or without water, canalso be employed. Methanol is a preferred low boiling organic liquid.

[0035] Low boiling organic liquids may be employed to facilitateapplying the particulate materials by spraying to substrates. Typically,the low boiling organic liquids are used in an amount sufficient tofacilitate the formation a dispersion of the particulate material. Inone embodiment, the amount of low boiling organic liquid is up to about30% (volume percent) of the dispersion. In another embodiment, theamount of low boiling organic liquid is from about 1% to about 20%(volume percent) of the dispersion. In yet another embodiment, theamount of low boiling organic liquid is from about 2% to about 10%(volume percent) of the dispersion. The particulate material ispreferably added to a low boiling organic liquid to form a slurry andthen this slurry is diluted with water to form an aqueous dispersion.

[0036] High boiling organic liquids including oils and fatty acids maybe employed in applying the particles to substrates for the purposes ofthis invention. The term high boiling as used herein means organicliquids which have a boiling point generally higher than about 100° C.Typically, the high boiling organic liquids and/or oils are used in anamount sufficient to facilitate the formation of an emulsion of theparticulate material. In one embodiment, the amount of high boilingorganic liquid is up to about 30% (volume percent) of the emulsion. Inanother embodiment, the amount of high boiling organic liquid is fromabout 1% to about 20% (volume percent) of the emulsion. In yet anotherembodiment, the amount of high boiling organic liquid is from about 2%to about 10% (volume percent) of the emulsion. The particulate materialis added to a high boiling organic liquid and/or oil to form a slurry,or the particulate material is added to a high boiling organic liquidand/or oil with water to form an emulsion-slurry.

[0037] Examples of high boiling organic liquids include vegetable,industrial, marine, and paraffin oils including cottonseed oil, palmoil, peanut oil, corn oil soya oil, castor oil, linseed oil, rapseedoil, tung oil, oiticica oil, fish oil, sperm oil, Menhaden oil, oilsthat have been modified through hydrogenation, animal oil, syntheticoil, petroleum based oil, and the like. Useful petroleum based oilsinclude mineral oil, crude oil, and napthalenic oil. Further examples ofhigh boiling organic liquids include fatty acids such as saturated andunsaturated fatty acids including C6 to C32 carboxylic acids. Specificexamples include caproic acid, caprrylic acid, pelargonic acid, capricacid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecyclic acid, palmitic acid,margigaric acid, strearic acid, lauroleic acid, myristoleic acid,palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and thelike. Commercially available oils include Orchex® products from Exxon,Volck oils from Chevron, Pennzspray® products from Pennzoil-QuakerState, and Sunspray® products from Sunoco.

[0038] In another embodiment, salts are incorporated into the particleslurry or particle-substrate mix. Additive salts include ionic salts,inorganic salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calciumchloride, magnesium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calciumsulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calciumnitrate, magnesium nitrate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate,magnesium carbonate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, copper basedsalts, silver based salts, potassium sulfate, organic water soluble saltsuch as salt forms of fatty acids such as sodium laurate, and potassiumlaurate.

[0039] Several high boiling organic liquids are particularly effectiveat increasing the phytotoxicity of the particulate. compositions therebyfurther enhancing the weed control abilities. In this connection, in oneembodiment, the high boiling organic liquids include those with about 9or more carbon atoms and about 20 or less carbon atoms; those with anodd number of carbon atoms; and those with unsaturation or aromaticity.

[0040] The resulting slurry or emulsion retains the particles in finelydivided form or as agglomerates wherein most of the particulatematerials are dispersed to a particle size of less than about 100microns, regardless of whether a high boiling organic liquid, lowboiling organic liquid, or a high boiling organic liquid and low boilingorganic liquid are employed. In one embodiment, 90% by weight or more ofthe particulate materials have a particle size of less than about 10microns. In another embodiment, 90% by weight or more of the particulatematerials have a particle size of less than about 3 microns. In yetanother embodiment, 90% by weight or more of the particulate materialshave a particle size of less than about 1 micron.

[0041] When agglomerates are formed, the slurry or emulsion contains 90%by weight or more of the particulate materials having an agglomeratesize of less than about 500 microns. In another embodiment, the slurryor emulsion contains 90% by weight or more of the particulate materialshaving an agglomerate size of less than about 250 microns.

[0042] The particle treatment may be applied as one or more layers offinely divided particulate material. The amount of material appliedvaries depending upon a number of factors, such as the identity of thesubstrate and the identity of the particulate material, etc. In anygiven instance, the amount of material applied can be determined by oneof ordinary skill in the art. The amount may be sufficient to form acontinuous film or intermittent film over all or a portion of the soilor other plant-producing substrate to which the particle treatment isapplied. In one embodiment, the particle treatment is particularlyeffective when the surface is white in appearance, or the desired colorin appearance.

[0043] In one embodiment, from about 1% to about 99% by weight ofparticulate material is applied in the substrate when incorporated intoa substrate (for example, a mixture of particulate material and soil isapplied to soil). In another embodiment, from about 5% to about 80% byweight of particulate material is applied into a substrate whenincorporated into the substrate (such as soil or a plant-producingsubstrate).

[0044] In one embodiment, from about 5% to about 50% by weight ofparticulate material is applied as a slurry to a substrate (for example,a mixture of particulate material and liquid to the surface of unwantedvegetation). In another embodiment, from about 20% to about 40% byweight of particulate material is applied as a slurry to the surface ofa substrate. The treated substrate may then be tilled to intermix theparticulate material in the substrate.

[0045] Whether applied as a dust, mixed with substrate (such as soil)and applied, mixed in a slurry (aqueous and or organic liquid) andapplied, particulate materials are applied to a substrate in an amountsufficient to at least one of reduce unwanted vegetation, reduce thepresence or undesirable effects of pests, reduce disease, and enhancehorticultural effects of crops or other wanted vegetation. Generallyspeaking, the particulate materials are applied, wet or dry, to becomeintermixed with a substrate or to coat a substrate. Intermixing may beaccomplished by turning or roto-tilling the soil treated with theparticulate materials.

[0046] Generally, the particulate materials are applied to a substratein any suitable manner. For example, the particulate materials may beapplied to a substrate by contacting a slurry comprising the particulatematerials with the plant producing media or unwanted vegetation. When afilm is formed over a plant producing media, the film may act as apre-emergent herbicide. Alternatively, the particulate materials may beapplied to a substrate in powder form and optionally mixing theparticulate materials with the substrate when the substrate is a plantproducing media. In another embodiment, the particulate materials may beapplied to a substrate by mixing the particulate materials with looseplant producing media (typically soil) to form a mixture, and applyingthe mixture to the substrate, typically plant producing media.

[0047] In embodiments where the particulate materials become intermixedwith a substrate, such as mixed with soil or other plant producingmedia, the depth of the intermixing is at least about 1 cm from thesurface. In another embodiment, the depth of the intermixing is at leastabout 3 cm down to about 30cm from the surface. In yet anotherembodiment, the depth of the intermixing is at least about 5 cm to about20 cm from the surface. When mixed with the plant producing media, theparticulate materials can be substantially uniformly mixed therein, orthey can be randomly dispersed therein.

[0048] In one embodiment, in the intermixed growing medium, the amountof particulate materials is about 1% by weight or more and about 25% byweight or less. In another embodiment, in the intermixed growing medium,the amount of particulate materials is about 2% by weight or more andabout 15% by weight or less. In yet another embodiment, in theintermixed growing medium, the amount of particulate materials is about3% by weight or more and about 10% by weight or less.

[0049] In addition to being intermixed to a certain depth from thesurface, the particulate materials may be intermixed in a discrete layerbelow the surface of the planting medium. For example, the particulatematerials may be intermixed in a 7 cm thick layer located 5 cm below thesurface (from 5 cm to 12 cm below the surface).

[0050] In embodiments where the particulate materials coat a substrate,the particulate materials form a coating or film, continuous orintermittent, over the growing medium or unwanted vegetation. In oneembodiment, where continuous or present, the coating has a thickness ofabout 1 μm or more and about 5 mm or less. In another embodiment, thecoating has a thickness of about 5 μm or more and about 2 mm or less.

[0051] In some instances, environmental conditions such as wind and rainmay reduce the coverage (residue) of the particulate materials andtherefore it is desirable to apply the particles one or more timesduring the growing season in order to maintain the desired effect ofinvention.

[0052] In one embodiment, the particulate films made in accordance withthe present invention do not materially affect the exchange of gases onthe surface of said soil. The gases which pass through the particletreatment (or residue from the inventive treatment) are those which aretypically exchanged through the soil or plant-producing substrates. Suchgases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen and volatileorganics.

[0053] In another embodiment, the particulate materials may form a gasimpermeable film that restricts the exchange of gases on the surface ofthe soil, a plant-producing substrate and/or unwanted vegetation. Inthis embodiment, a gas impermeable film trapping gases in the soil isformed. The gases which do not pass through the particle treatment ofthis embodiment are those which are typically exchanged through thesubstrates. Such gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen,nitrogen and volatile organics and applied agrichemicals such asfumigants.

[0054] The particulate materials may be used in methods for weedcontrol, methods for enhanced horticultural effects, methods for diseasecontrol, and methods for pest control effects. Weed control involves atleast one of inhibiting the growth of existing weeds, preventing thegrowth of new weeds, and terminating the life of existing weeds.Enhanced horticultural effects include at least one of increasing thegrowth rate of agricultural and/or ornamental crops, increasing thehealth of agricultural and/or ornamental crops, increasing the life spanof agricultural and/or ornamental crops, increasing the amount of fruitor flowers produced by agricultural and/or ornamental crops, andstrengthening the root systems of agricultural and/or ornamental crops.Disease control involves at least one of decreasing the incidence ofviral diseases in agricultural and/or ornamental crops, bacterialdiseases, fungal diseases, and insect spread diseases. Pest control isone of decreasing the d amage of agricultural and/or ornamental crops toinsect, arachnid and/or nematode infestation, decreasing insect,arachnid and/or nematode infestation of soil or growth media ofagricultural and/or ornamental crops, preventing insect, arachnid and/ornematode infestation of soil or growth media of agricultural and/orornamental crops, and preventing insect, arachnid and/or nematodeinfestation of agricultural and/or ornamental crops.

[0055] When it is no longer desired to continue practicing the inventivemethod of weed control, the treated substrates are incorporated anddispersed (mixed) into the soil or other plant-producing substrate byconventional tillage practices to disrupt the treatment initiallyapplied to the substrate.

[0056] The particulate materials may be also used in methods forthinning the number of flowers on a fruit tree, typically in bloom, sothat the fruit that forms on a given branch does not have to competewith an adjacent fruit for tree nutrients. In this particularembodiment, an emulsion containing water, the particulate materials andone or more high boiling organic solvents are applied to a fruit tree.The application causes a number of the blossoms/flowers to abort, butnot all of the blossoms/flowers. This typically happens within about 2weeks after application, and in some instances, within about 1 weekafter application. As a result of the flower thinning, the fruit that isharvested from the treated fruit tree is larger and healthier than fruitharvested from a similar untreated fruit tree. Taste is also improved inthe fruit that is harvested from the treated fruit trees.

[0057] In one embodiment, the application of a particulate materialemulsion aborts at least about 25% (by number) of the blossoms/flowersof the fruit tree, and the fruit harvested therefrom is about 5% byweight or more larger than fruit from an untreated tree. In anotherembodiment, the application of a particulate material emulsion aborts atleast about 50% (by number) of the blossoms/flowers of the fruit tree,and the fruit harvested therefrom is about 10% by weight or more largerthan fruit from an untreated tree. In yet another embodiment, theapplication of a particulate material emulsion aborts at least about 60%(by number) of the blossoms/flowers of the fruit tree, and the fruitharvested therefrom is about 15% by weight or more larger than fruitfrom an untreated tree.

[0058] The following examples illustrate the present invention. Unlessotherwise indicated in the following examples, in the specification andin the appended claims, all parts and percentages are by weight,temperatures are in degrees centigrade and pressures are at or nearatmospheric pressure.

EXAMPLE 1

[0059] A water release curve is determined for soil amended withincreasing amounts of TRANSLINK® 77, a hydrophobic material. A pressuremembrane apparatus (Soil Moisture Eqpt. Santa Barbara, Calif., model1600) with a 5 bar air entry value is used. Soil rings (48 mm diameterand 10 mm height) are filled with soil (Hagerstown silt loam) andvarying amounts of Translink® 77 (0, 1, 2, 3, 4% by weight of soil). Therings and soil are placed in standing water for 30 days and thensubjected to pressure differentials (−0.05, −0.1, −0.5, −1, −2, −3atmospheres) on the membrane plate to simulate known levels of soildrying. Pressure differentials in the range of −0.05 to −0.5 atmospheresrepresent well water soil, while pressure differentials in the range of−2 to −3 atmospheres represent dry soils that do not easily supportplant growth.

[0060] Effect of pressure differential and hydrophobic particleadditions on volumetric soil water content (volume water/volume soil) isshown in Table 1. TABLE 1 Pressure differential or soil moisture tension(-atmospheres) % TRANSLINK to soil (w/w) 0.05 0.1 0.5 1 2 3 0 0.49 0.380.31 0.24 0.17 0.15 1 0.38 0.31 0.27 0.18 0.16 0.14 2 0.37 0.29 0.260.19 0.18 0.15 3 0.30 0.26 0.24 0.15 0.13 0.15 4 0.25 0.25 0.23 0.140.14 0.14

[0061] Decreasing the pressure differential or soil moisture tension,i.e. more negative, dries the soil and decreases the water content ofthe soil. The addition of hydrophobic particles in increasing amounts ata specified soil moisture tension further reduces the water content ofthe soil in the range of −0.05 to −2 atmospheres. Therefore the additionof hydrophobic particles makes water less available, particularly in thewell-watered range of −0.05 to −0.5 atmospheres.

EXAMPLE 2

[0062] Weed seed from four species (barnyard grass, Echinochloacrusgalli, nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus, Canada thistle, Cirsiumarvense, lambsquarter, Chenopodium album) and two crop species (wheat,Triticum aestivum, sorghum, Sorghum bicolor) are treated in 6 plantingarrangements:

[0063] 1. Plant on soil and cover with 1 cm of soil

[0064] 2. Plant on soil and cover with 2 cm of soil

[0065] 3. Plant on soil and cover with 1 cm of soil containing 5% (w/w)of TRANSLINK® 77

[0066] 4. Plant on soil and cover with 2 cm of soil containing 5% (w/w)of TRANSLINK® 77

[0067] 5. Plant on 1 cm thick layer of soil containing 5% (w/w)TRANSLINK® 77 which over lays soil and the seed are covered with 1 cm ofsoil containing 5% (w/w) TRANSLINK® 77

[0068] 6. Plant on 1 cm thick layer of soil containing 5% (w/w)TRANSLINK® 77 which over lays soil and the seed are covered with 2 cm ofsoil containing 5% (w/w) TRANSLINK® 77

[0069] The soil is a Hagerstown silt loam that is screened to pass a 4mm screen and is heat sterilized to kill endemic weed seed. Ten seeds ofeach species are planted in pots containing 5 cm of soil and thetreatments are overlain on this soil. The pots are watered weekly bysubmerging the pots in a layer of water 2 cm deep for 1 to 2 hours. Thesurface of each pot is misted with water daily.

[0070] The study is arranged in a randomized block design with 3replications. Seed are planted and harvested. At harvest the number ofplants in each container and their weight on drying at 60° C. ismeasured.

[0071] The effect of amending soil with a hydrophobic particleTranslink® 77 on seed germination and growth is shown in Table 2. TABLE2 Seed position treatment Plant species 1 2 3 4 5 6 Wheat Weight g/pot6.8 5.4 4.4 4.3 0.7 0.8 tot # of plants 48 47 47 44 12 4 Barnyard grassWeight g/pot 3.7 4.6 8.3 5.0 0.1 0.0 tot # of plants 19 18 22 17 1 0Nutsedge Weight g/pot 8.9 14 8.6 18.2 0 0 tot # of plants 30 27 23 25 00 Canada Thistle Weight g/pot 0.6 0.6 0.3 0.3 0 0 tot # of plants 39 3435 32 0 0 Sorghum Weight g/pot 6.4 7.1 7.1 5.6 0 0 tot # of plants 44 4741 44 1 0 Lambsquarter Weight g/pot 1.4 1.9 0.3 0.4 0 0 tot # of plants33 28 23 27 0 0

[0072] The data indicate that when weed or crop seeds are planted oroccur on soil and are covered with a soil amended with 5% TRANSLINK® 77,seed germination is not appreciably inhibited (treatments 1-4). However,if the weed seeds are incorporated into the TRANSLINK® 77 amended soil,seed germination is greatly reduced (treatments 5 and 6). Although notwishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the reduction inseed germination is due, in part, to the reduced availability of waterin the amended soil as demonstrated in Table 1.

EXAMPLE 3

[0073] A site is in permanent pasture for 5 years prior to rototillingin early August. After rototilling, 1 m by 1 m plots of untreated soiland treated soil are established in a paired-t-test design with 6replications on August 29, same year. The treated soil receives 1.2kg/m2 of TRANSLINK® 77, a hydrophobic kaolin particle from EngelhardCorp. TRANSLINK® 77 is incorporated uniformly into the upper 3 cm ofsoil with hand cultivation. The concentration of TRANSLINK® 77 isapproximately 3% by weight and 20% by volume in the 3 cm treated soilregion. On May 6 of the following year, biomass samples from the centerof each plot are clipped and weighed following drying at 60° C. Acircular area of 1,195 cm2 is sampled in the center of each plot. Drymass of vegetation in the untreated treatment is 218.5 g/m2 and issignificantly higher (p=0.05) than the 23.5 g/m2 harvested from thetreated soil. The data demonstrate that when soil is amended with 3%hydrophobic particles, seed germination in the amended zone is greatlyinhibited. Although not wishing to be bound by any theory, it isbelieved that the inhibition is due to the reduced availability of waterin the amended zone for seed germination. The occurrence of some seedgermination is likely due, in part, to seeds germinating at the amendedsoil-natural soil interface as demonstrated in Table 2.

Example 4

[0074] Nutsedge seeds are planted 1 cm deep in pots with 5 cm of aHagerstown silt loam. Pots receive 6 treatments:

[0075] 1. nothing

[0076] 2. cover with an airtight, waterproof covering of Parafilm

[0077] 3. cover with a 5 mm covering of TRANSLINK® 77, a hydrophobicparticle

[0078] 4. cover with a 1 mm covering of cottonseed oil

[0079] 5. cover with a 1 mm covering of 30% (w/v) of TRANSLINK® 77 incottonseed oil

[0080] 6. cover with a 1 mm covering of 30% (w/v) of SATINTONE® 5HB, ahydrophilic particle, in cottonseed oil

[0081] The pots are submerged in 2 cm of water for 1 to 2 hours weekly.The study is a completely randomized design with 8 replications. Theeffect of mulch treatments on nutsedge growth (cm length of each shoot)is shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Treatment Length of shoot (cm) Untreatedcontrol 20.3 Covered with Parafilm 26.6 Covered with 5 mm TRANSLINK ® 77as a 16.5 material Covered with 1 mm of cottonseed oil (CSO) 6.1 Coveredwith 1 mm of 30% TRANSLINK ® 2.0 CSO Covered with 1 mm of 30%SATINTONE ® 0 in CSO

[0082] These data indicate that a mixture of either a hydrophobic orhydrophilic material together with cottonseed oil makes a barrier toseed germination that is more effective than either the dry material orcottonseed oil alone. This inhibition is not due to exclusion of airsince the covering of Parafilm did not inhibit seed germination.

EXAMPLE 5

[0083] A reflectance spectrum of soil and soil treated with ahydrophobic material (TRANSLINK® 77) is measured under full sunconditions using a Licor 1800 spectrometer. The reflectance spectrum isshown in FIG. 1, wherein wavelength is plotted against μmol/m2/s.

[0084] The data indicate that the amendment of soil with a whitematerial increases the reflection of visible and infrared radiation.

EXAMPLE 6

[0085] Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicon) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)are treated with the following treatments:

[0086] 1. no treatment

[0087] 2. spray with cottonseed oil

[0088] 3. spray with 30% TRANSLINK® 77 in cottonseed oil

[0089] 4. spray with 30% SATINTONE® 5HB in cottonseed oil

[0090] 5. dust with TRANSLINK® 77

[0091] 6. dust with SATINTONE® 5HB

[0092] Seven days after application plants are evaluated as alive ordead. A randomized block design with 3 replications is used and theresults are shown in Table 4. TABLE 4 Treatments Plant condition/#plants Untreated control Alive/3 Cottonseed oil spray (CSO) Alive/3TRANSLINK ® 77 in CSO Dead/3 SATINTONE ® 5HB in CSO Dead/3 TRANSLINK ®77 dusted Alive/3 SATINTONE ® 5HB dusted Alive/3

[0093] These data indicate that the application of cottonseed oil orparticles alone does not kill vegetation. However, the combination ofcottonseed oil and hydrophobic (TRANSLINK® 77) or hydrophilic(SATINTONE® 5HB) particles does kill vegetation.

EXAMPLE 7

[0094] An 8 ft by 10 ft area beneath apple trees is treated with thefollowing treatments:

[0095] 1) an untreated control

[0096] 2) 6 pounds of ASP 672 (hydrous kaolin), 0.6 gal cottonseed oil,and 4.4 gal water are combined by mixing the kaolin and oil together andthen adding the mixture to water and gently agitating

[0097] 3) 6 pounds of ASP 672 (hydrous kaolin), 0.6 gal cottonseed oil,0.15 lbs of iron oxide, and 4.4 gal water are combined by mixing thekaolin, iron oxide and oil together and then adding the mixture to waterand gently agitating.

[0098] Treatments 2) and 3) are applied at the rate of 50 gallons ofsolution/acre or 11.75 oz/plot or 350 ml/plot. Nothing is applied to theuntreated control. Applications are made 27 April, 31 May and 5 July.The cottonseed oil does not contain any emulsifying agents. The kaolinacts, in part, as an emulsifying agent to create an emulsion ofcottonseed oil in water. TABLE 5 Treatments Fresh weight of vegetation(g/m2) Untreated control 710 Kaolin + oil 161 Kaolin + oil + iron oxide132

[0099] These data indicate that the application of cottonseed oilemulsified with kaolin with/without iron oxide kills vegetation and theaddition of iron oxide tends to enhance efficacy.

EXAMPLE 8

[0100] Liberty apples were treated as follows where HPF stands forhydrophilic particle film comprising Engelhard ASP672 hydrous kaolin.The oil used was cotton seed oil. Both HPF treatments used the sameamount of HPF and oil and used the same spray application amount.Liberty' apple Liberty' apple trt avg tree total treatments trt avg treetotal count apple avg wt (g) 1. conv. chemical sprays 1 2. HPF & oil atpetal fall 1 3. HPF & oil at full bloom 1 4. untreated control 1 1

[0101] While the invention has been explained in relation to itspreferred embodiments, it is to be understood that various modificationsthereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon readingthe specification. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventiondisclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall withinthe scope of the appended claims.

1. An agricultural, horticultural, or ornamental crop compositioncomprising: (a) particulate material; (b) organic non-vegetable non-fuelhigh boiling oil; and (c) at least one additive selected from the groupconsisting of ionic salt, colored particle, or surfactant.
 2. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein said particulate material (a) is selectedfrom the group consisting of calcium carbonate, talc, kaolin,beneficiated kaolin, bentonites, clays, pyrophyllite, silica, feldspar,sand, quartz, chalk, limestone, precipitated calcium carbonate,diatomaceous earth, and barites.
 3. The composition of claim 1 whereinsaid particulate material (a) is selected from the group consisting ofcalcined calcium carbonate, calcined talc, calcined kaolin, bakedkaolin, fired kaolin, hydrophobic treated heat treated kaolin, calcinedbentonites, calcined clays, calcined pyrophyllite, calcined silica,calcined feldspar, calcined sand, calcined quartz, calcined chalk,calcined limestone, calcined precipitated calcium carbonate, bakedcalcium carbonate, calcined diatomaceous earth, calcined barytes,calcined aluminum trihydrate, calcined pyrogenic silica, and calcinedtitanium dioxide.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein said organicnon-vegetable non-fuel high boiling oil (b) is selected from the groupconsisting of industrial oil, marine oil, saturated and unsaturated C-6to C-32 fatty acids, animal oil, synthetic oil, and petroleum based oil.5. The composition of claim 1 wherein said ionic salt (c) is selectedfrom the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride,calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate,calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate,calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite,copper based salt, silver based salt, potassium sulfate, and organicwater soluble salts.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein said colorant(c) is selected from the group consisting of natural iron oxides, blackiron oxides, synthetic iron oxides, precipitated red iron oxide, browniron oxides, synthetic black iron oxides, copper-black, chrome-black,zinc magnesium ferrite pigments, carbon black pigments, graphite,aniline black, logwood black lakes, yellow sulfur, and pigments thatselectively reflect or absorb in red, blue, or green regions.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 6 wherein said colorant (c) is selected from thegroup consisting of yellow limonite, red hematite, brown limonite,Pigment Black 10, copper red, ferrite red, precipitated red iron oxide,Pigment Brown 6, brown ocher, Pigment Black 1, synthetic magnetite,copper-black, chrome-black, Pigment Brown 11, mapioc tans, Pigment Black6, Pigment Black 7, furnace black, channel black, acetylene black,furnace black, bone black, lampblack, natural and synthetic graphites,Pigment Black 1, Natural Black 3, Lake, and Logwood Pigment.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein said particulate material is a hydrouskaolin.
 9. The composition of claim 1 wherein surfactant (c) is selectedfrom the group consisting of modified phthalic glycerlol alkyl resins,plant oil based materials with emulsifiers, polymeric terpenes, andnonionic detergents.
 10. The composition of claim 1 wherein at least twoof said additives (c) are present.
 11. A bloom thinning emulsioncomprising said composition of claim 1 and additionally comprisingwater.
 12. A method of controlling pests comprising the step of:applying to a substrate a composition comprising: (a) particulatematerial; (b) organic non-vegetable non-fuel high boiling oil; and (c)additive selected from the group consisting of ionic salt, coloredparticle, or surfactant.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein saidparticulate material (a) is selected from the group consisting ofcalcium carbonate, talc, kaolin, beneficiated kaolin, bentonites, clays,pyrophyllite, silica, feldspar, sand, quartz, chalk, limestone,precipitated calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, and barites.
 14. Themethod of claim 12 wherein said particulate material (a) is selectedfrom the group consisting of calcined calcium carbonate, calcined talc,calcined kaolin, baked kaolin, fired kaolin, hydrophobic treated heattreated kaolin, calcined bentonites, calcined clays, calcinedpyrophyllite, calcined silica, calcined feldspar, calcined sand,calcined quartz, calcined chalk, calcined limestone, calcinedprecipitated calcium carbonate, baked calcium carbonate, calcineddiatomaceous earth, calcined barytes, calcined aluminum trihydrate,calcined pyrogenic silica, and calcined titanium dioxide.
 15. The methodof claim 12 wherein said non-vegetable non-fuel high boiling oil (b) isselected from the group consisting of industrial oil, marine oil,paraffin oils, saturated and unsaturated C-6 to C-32 falty acids, animaloil, synthetic oil, and petroleum based oil.
 16. The method of claim 12wherein said ionic salt (c) is selected from the group consisting ofsodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesiumchloride, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium sulfate, magnesiumsulfate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesiumnitrate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate,sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, copper based salt, silver based salt,potassium sulfate, and organic water soluble salt.
 17. The method ofclaim 12 wherein said colorant (c) is selected from the group consistingof natural iron oxides, black iron oxides, synthetic iron oxides,precipitated red iron oxide, brown iron oxides, synthetic black ironoxides, copper-black, chrome-black, zinc magnesium ferrite pigments,carbon black pigments, graphite, aniline black, logwood black lakes,yellow sulfur, and pigments that selectively reflect or absorb in red,blue, or green regions.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein said colorant(c) is selected from the group consisting of yellow limonite, redhematite, brown limonite, Pigment Black 10, copper red, ferrite red,precipitated red iron oxide, Pigment Brown 6, brown ocher, Pigment Black1, synthetic magnetite, copper-black, chrome-black, Pigment Brown 11,mapioc tans, Pigment Black 6, Pigment Black 7, furnace black, channelblack, acetylene black, furnace black, bone black, lampblack, naturaland synthetic graphites, Pigment Black 1, Natural Black 3, Lake, andLogwood Pigment.
 19. The method of claim 12 wherein said particulatematerial is a hydrous kaolin.
 20. The method of claim 12 whereinsurfactant (c) is selected from the group consisting of modifiedphthalic glycerlol alkyl resins, plant oil based materials withemulsifiers, polymeric terpenes, and nonionic detergents.
 21. The methodof claim 12 wherein at least two of said additives (c) are present. 22.The method of claim 12 wherein said substrate is selected from the groupconsisting of soil; peat; compost; vermiculite; rockwool; syntheticgrowing media; weeds; weed roots; weed seeds; non-agricultural plantslocated near agricultural crops; and non-useful, non-ornamental plants.23. The method of claim 12 wherein said composition additionallycomprises (d) plant producing media selected from the group consistingof soil; peat; compost; vermiculite; rockwool; synthetic growing media,sand, soil remediation materials, polyacrylates, humus, and surfacetreated soil.
 24. An agricultural, horticultural, or ornamental cropcomposition comprising: (a) particulate material; and (b) at least oneadditive selected from the group consisting of plant producing media andsalt.
 25. The composition of claim 24 wherein said at least one additive(b) is salt.
 26. The composition of claim 24 wherein said at least oneadditive (b) is plant producing media.
 27. The composition of claim 24wherein said at least one additive (b) is plant producing media andsalt.
 28. The composition of claim 24 wherein said particulate material(a) is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, talc,kaolin, beneficiated kaolin, bentonites, clays, pyrophyllite, silica,feldspar, sand, quartz, chalk, limestone, precipitated calciumcarbonate, diatomaceous earth, and barites.
 29. The composition of claim24 wherein said particulate material (a) is selected from the groupconsisting of calcined calcium carbonate, calcined talc, calcinedkaolin, baked kaolin, fired kaolin, calcined bentonites, calcined clays,calcined pyrophyllite, calcined silica, calcined feldspar, calcinedsand, calcined quartz, calcined chalk, calcined limestone, calcinedprecipitated calcium carbonate, baked calcium carbonate, calcineddiatomaceous earth, calcined barytes, calcined aluminum trihydrate,calcined pyrogenic silica, and calcined titanium dioxide.
 30. Thecomposition of claim 28 wherein said particulate material (a) ishydrophobically treated.
 31. The composition of claim 29 wherein saidparticulate material (a) is hydrophobically treated.
 32. The compositionof claim 26 wherein said plant producing media is selected from thegroup consisting of soil, peat, compost, vermiculite, rockwool, sand,soil remediation materials, polyacrylates, and humus.
 33. Thecomposition of claim 24 additionally comprising: (c) at least oneagrichemical.
 34. The composition of claim 33 wherein said at least oneagrichemical (c) is selected from the group consisting of nutrients,microbial agents, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, andinsecticides.
 35. The composition of claim 25 wherein said salt isselected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassiumchloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium sulfate,potassium sulfate, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium nitrate,potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, sodium carbonate,potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium nitrite, potassiumnitrite, copper based salt, silver based salt, potassium sulfate, andorganic water soluble salt.
 36. A method of controlling pests comprisingthe step of: applying to a substrate a composition comprising: (b)particulate material; and (b) at least one additive selected from thegroup consisting of plant producing media and salt.
 37. The method ofclaim 36 wherein said at least one additive (b) is salt.
 38. The methodof claim 36 wherein said at least one additive (b) is plant producingmedia.
 39. The method of 36 wherein said at least one additive (b) isplant producing media and salt.
 40. The method of claim 36 wherein saidparticulate material (a) is selected from the group consisting ofcalcium carbonate, talc, kaolin, beneficiated kaolin, bentonites, clays,pyrophyllite, silica, feldspar, sand, quartz, chalk, limestone,precipitated calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, and barites.
 41. Themethod of claim 36 wherein said particulate material (a) is selectedfrom the group consisting of calcined calcium carbonate, calcined talc,calcined kaolin, baked kaolin, fired kaolin, calcined bentonites,calcined clays, calcined pyrophyllite, calcined silica, calcinedfeldspar, calcined sand, calcined quartz, calcined chalk, calcinedlimestone, calcined precipitated calcium carbonate, baked calciumcarbonate, calcined diatomaceous earth, calcined barytes, calcinedaluminum trihydrate, calcined pyrogenic silica, and calcined titaniumdioxide.
 42. The method of claim 36 wherein said plant producing media(b) is selected from the group consisting of soil, peat, compost,vermiculite, rockwool, sand, soil remediation materials, polyacrylates,and humus.
 43. The method of claim 36 wherein said salt (b) is selectedfrom the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride,calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate,calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate,calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite,copper based salt, silver based salt, potassium sulfate, and organicwater soluble salt.